Ashton Jeanty: Jeanty’s Stock is Rising in the 2025 NFL Draft
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s standout running back, has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jeanty’s dynamic play style, elite contact balance, versatility, and ability to excel in both the rushing and receiving game make him an enticing pick for multiple NFL teams looking to strengthen their backfields with a true 3-down back. With a 2,601-yard rushing season under his belt, garnering awards like the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, Heisman Runner Up, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and more, Jeanty is projected to go in the first round, with many analysts speculating about his ideal landing spot. Below, we break down five notable projections, analyzing team needs, draft positions, and how Jeanty’s skill set addresses those needs.
1. Las Vegas Raiders (6th Overall Pick)
The Raiders are in a transitional phase, looking to rebuild their offense after struggling in recent seasons. Despite having talented pieces like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, the team has faced challenges in maintaining consistency in the running game. With Jacobs’ contract situation uncertain and the need for long-term stability at the position, Ashton Jeanty becomes a compelling option.
Why Jeanty Fits: Jeanty offers the versatility to operate as a three-down back, capable of both explosive runs and reliable pass-catching. His ability to break tackles and find space in tight situations complements the Raiders’ offensive line, which has shown flashes of improvement but still requires a running back with excellent vision and quick decision-making.
Expert Quote: Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News states, “Jeanty would be a good combination of luxury and necessity pick for the Raiders.” Adding Jeanty would give the Raiders a cornerstone player around whom they can build their offensive future.
2. Minnesota Vikings (10th Overall Pick)
The Vikings have struggled to replace the consistent production of Dalvin Cook after his departure. While Alexander Mattison has shown promise, the team’s run game has lacked the explosiveness needed to balance their offense and support quarterback Kirk Cousins (or his eventual replacement). The Vikings’ offensive system thrives on dynamic playmakers, and Jeanty’s skill set aligns perfectly with their needs.
Why Jeanty Fits: Jeanty’s burst through the line of scrimmage and ability to make defenders miss in open space would reinvigorate the Vikings’ rushing attack. Additionally, his pass-catching prowess provides an added layer of unpredictability, making him a dual-threat weapon that fits well in Minnesota’s offense.
Expert Quote: Rob Rang of FOX Sports remarks, “Jeanty’s burst to and through the hole is exceptional, and he’s a true three-down back.” His versatility would give the Vikings the spark they need to compete in the NFC North.
3. Dallas Cowboys (11th Overall Pick)
The Cowboys’ offense has long been built around a strong running game, but with Ezekiel Elliott gone and Tony Pollard recovering from injuries, Dallas needs a durable and versatile running back to take the reins. Jeanty’s ability to produce in both the rushing and receiving game makes him an ideal fit for the Cowboys’ balanced attack. Jeanty played much of his high school career in Frisco, TX, so he would be a strong home-town pick for the Cowboys as well and Jeanty. has not been subtle about his desire to become a Cowboy.
Why Jeanty Fits: With an offensive line that remains one of the NFL’s better units, Jeanty’s skill set would maximize Dallas’ strengths. His ability to excel in open space and contribute as a pass-catcher aligns with Jerry Jones’s vision for a modern, dynamic offense. If they Cowboys offer the head coaching reins to Kellen Moore, who has been interviewed already, the Boise State influence would remain strong with the Boys.
Expert Quote: Dalton Miller of Pro Football Network says, “Ashton Jeanty is the most complete back I’ve studied since starting this obsession in 2016.” Jeanty’s completeness as a player would elevate the Cowboys’ offense to a new level.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (17th Overall Pick)
The Bengals have a high-powered passing attack led by Joe Burrow and a talented group of receivers, but their running game has been inconsistent. Joe Mixon’s production has declined, and Cincinnati’s offense would benefit from a more explosive and versatile back. Ashton Jeanty’s ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him an excellent fit.
Why Jeanty Fits: Jeanty’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield would add another dimension to the Bengals’ offense, forcing defenses to account for him on every play. His quickness and agility would complement Cincinnati’s offensive line, which has struggled at times to open up running lanes.
Expert Quote: Josh Edwards of CBS Sports notes, “Obtaining a high-caliber running back like Jeanty could provide significant support for both Burrow and their struggling offensive line.” Jeanty’s addition would make the Bengals’ offense even more dangerous.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (32nd Overall Pick)
The defending Super Bowl champions are always looking for ways to enhance their offense. While the Chiefs have found success with a committee approach at running back, adding a talent like Ashton Jeanty would give them a true game-changer in the backfield. Jeanty’s ability to break big plays and contribute in the passing game would perfectly complement Patrick Mahomes.
Why Jeanty Fits: The Chiefs’ offense thrives on versatility and unpredictability, and Jeanty’s skill set fits seamlessly into their system. His ability to line up in different formations and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties would make Kansas City’s offense even more dynamic.
Expert Quote: Nate Tice and Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports describe Jeanty as possessing “a rare combination of strength, balance, and speed that will make him a nightmare for NFL defenses.” Pairing Jeanty with Mahomes could create one of the league’s most potent offensive duos.
Honorable Mentions
Atlanta Falcons (8th Overall Pick)
The Falcons have invested heavily in their running game but could still benefit from a talent like Jeanty. With an offense that emphasizes ball control and physicality, Jeanty’s hard-running style and versatility would fit well in Atlanta.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19th Overall Pick)
The Buccaneers are in a rebuilding phase and could use a dynamic playmaker like Jeanty to jumpstart their offense. His ability to produce in both the run and pass game would give Tampa Bay a much-needed offensive boost.
Final Thoughts
Ashton Jeanty’s unique combination of skills, work ethic, and versatility has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether it’s the Raiders, Vikings, Cowboys, Bengals, or Chiefs, any team that lands Jeanty will gain a player capable of transforming their offense and becoming a cornerstone for years to come. The draft is just around the corner, and all eyes will be on where this Boise State star finds his new home.